These handsome fellas are Bandero (Bay Arabian) and Dash (White Arabian).They belong to our trainer and friend, Gary and his daughter, Lexy. Normally these personalities wouldn’t mesh too well with low-key drafters like Cass and Becca but these boys are special. They know exactly how to talk to each of the girls.

Becca was way more upset by their presence than Cass in the first few days. Cass just wants no drama. Becca was looking for a bit of a fight. The boys didn’t give her one. You can see in the pic above Dash is talking to Becca, telling her he means no harm and just wants to be friends. Becca is standing her ground, ears pinned. She’s learned there’s no need to charge to fight. You can’t see because she’s so short, but Cass is in between the two.

Becca’s been keeping a “bubble” around her momma. When I walk into the pasture Becca keeps the boys back so Cass and I can walk into the barn. It only took about a week for her to realize the boys (especially Bandero) can be fun! They pair up to graze as does Cass and Dash. They’ve worked out any problems and have become a comfortable herd. Energy is peaceful, calm and happy. Cass is spending more time out grazing rather than standing in her shed.

Becca is in charge but all seem to want to be where Cass is. I get that.

I remember it like it was yesterday. We’d all been spending sleepless nights watching our CassidyCam with each morning bringing the news of no baby. I got to the barn before chores to turn off the camera and get Cass out to her paddock. All the horse people said she’d have the baby “in the safety of the night”. When I looked over into her stall, a feeling hit me that something just may be different but Cass demanded her breakfast. All the horse people said she’d “go off her food” when she was ready to have that baby. As I fed her others began showing up at the barn. It was suddenly clear she was getting ready to have that baby! I was suddenly in a terrible position. I’d already turned the camera and laptop off and didn’t know how to get things back on. (Yes, I’m computer stupid.) Over a hundred people from all over the world were watching and waiting to see this baby born on the internet. Cass was telling me in no uncertain terms to get her out of that stall! No stall… no camera… I was going to be in big trouble.

A very pregnant Cass.

I listened to my girl, though, and got her out where she wanted to be. By this time, I’d called Scottie and he was speeding through town trying to get to us to get the camera back up. Gayle and I were standing together at the gate to the paddock waiting for Trish to come back out of the house with her camera. In those very few moments, Cass calmly laid down and popped that baby out easy as you please! Trish barely made it back in time from the house to see this little miracle. It was so easy, the sac didn’t break off the baby. The women started urging me to “get in there!” Me… get in there?… really?!….

Keep in mind, I was still very frightened of this new love of my life. She was still very frightened of me… when I was frightened of her.

1st photo of Momma & baby.

I did “get in there” and I broke the sac off that baby’s nose so she could get her first breath.That was an amazing moment shared by only the three of us, Cass, baby and me. The fact more people had shown up to watch didn’t matter. Cass knew exactly what needed to be done (after demanding more to eat) and she also now knew she could depend on me.

Sizing each other up.

She found her legs, confidence & curiosity!

So much has happened in these five years. Fears conquered. Tears shed. Laughter heard. Frustration, joy, determination felt. Mistakes made. Battles won.

We are family.

Nearly a year old.

Nearly 2 years old.

Lots of changes from 2 to 3 years.

Goofy 4 year old.

I came close to giving Becca away this year. Probably hard to believe, huh? I spent a month searching my heart, crying every day and trying to convince myself it would be the best thing for all of us. At the last moment, things didn’t work out and I have never felt such relief in my life! Cass and Becca have been together every moment of these five years except for two months when Becca was weaned. They have a special and wonderful relationship, ever evolving. I’m blessed to be part of their world.

In my years of animal rescue work, Mothers have always held a special place in my heart. There was the Doberman who actually gave birth in my car as I frantically drove from her stupid owner’s home to my vet. Six babies were born but only one survived. The vet wanted to concentrate on the babies because the Mother seemed beyond hope. After my adamant outburst, the vet quickly turned her attention to saving the Mother. Eeyore did survive and is one of my greatest success stories. I still get emails and photos, even though she’s had her own family for ten plus years.

Mia and Nellie were part of our family for far too short a time. Both spent nearly ten years pumping out puppies for pet stores. Both were special, wonderful and complicated. They forever changed our lives and continue to change lives through their documentary.

The little, pregnant mare who tip-toed into our lives from Canada has led us on the most amazing journey. In her prior life, babies were ripped away before she had a chance to watch them grow. In five years, Cass and Becca have only been apart a couple months during the weaning process. The relationship between them is built on respect, trust and love. Becca’s surpassed her Mother in size and attitude. We recently acquired new barn mates. It’s been fun watching Becca now protecting her Mother. A Daughter’s love for her Mother is steadfast and true.

I apologize for the shaky camera. Video is from my not-so-great cell phone. This is exactly what makes it all worthwhile.

Mother’s Day is to thank you for the pin curls, letting me read at the dinner table, making me clean the linen closet every week (even though it made no sense!), filling the house with Sinatra, Streisand and Humperdink.

Mom & me 1967.

Mother’s Day is to thank you for always making me feel special, telling me NO even when you knew yes would’ve been easier, making me a hugger and always letting me lick the beaters.

Mother’s Day is to thank you for my wonderful, weird, wouldn’t-trade-for-anything-family and for always being excited when I brought you pretty weeds from the yard.

Mom & 3 daughters (I’m in the back).

Now that I’m all grown up it was nice to be able to send you real flowers.